Borderline Diabetes - An Opportunity to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

Borderline diabetes, also referred to as pre-diabetes, is when fasting blood sugar levels are between 100 and 125 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). If your blood glucose is within these levels, you're not yet considered diabetic but are at increased risk to develop type 2 diabetes.

Not everyone who is pre-diabetic will get diabetes, but any blood sugar level above normal should be taken seriously. By the time a blood glucose test shows that you have pre-diabetes, you probably have insulin resistance - that is, your body has become less sensitive to the effects of insulin.

Increased Risks of Complications

Diabetes-related complications are thought to begin during the pre-diabetes stage. However, because there are usually no symptoms of pre-diabetes, you should familiarize yourself with the risk factors for diabetes, which include:

• Being overweight;
• Sedentary lifestyle;
• Family history of diabetes;
• High blood pressure;
• High LDL (the "bad" cholesterol);
• Low HDL (the "good" cholesterol);
• High triglycerides;
• Age - risk increases with age;
• Abdominal fat.

These risk factors can be assessed by your doctor and through a simple blood test. If you have risk factors or are showing signs of diabetes, you need to be tested regularly. It is better to find out sooner rather than later if you are pre-diabetic or diabetic so that you can take steps to manage your health and avoid additional complications due to diabetes.

The Effect of Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes now can help you prevent or delay the development of type 2 diabetes. Dietary changes, weight loss, and regular exercise can all help to lower blood sugar levels. Even a modest weight loss of 5% to 10% of your body weight can make a significant difference in your health. Some medications are also available to help lower blood sugar levels.

Using a glucometer can help you understand how your body reacts to certain foods and to exercise. Even if you're not diabetic, but you are at high risk, it may be worth your while to invest in a glucometer. Glucometers can be purchased without a prescription although a consultation with your doctor and/or pharmacist can help you find one that best suits your needs. Your doctor can advise you how often you should test. By measuring your blood sugar levels, you can better understand what foods or activities cause an increase (or decrease) in blood sugar. You'll be better equipped to come up with a plan of action when armed with this information.

If your blood sugar levels are still normal, a healthy diet and active lifestyle will help to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes. Taking action now could make all the difference if you have been diagnosed with borderline diabetes. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors and what you can do to prevent diabetes or lower your risk of getting diabetes.